How to Work with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs)

It's common for new instructional designers to work inefficiently with subject matter experts and suffer the consequences.

Ineffecient SME workflows lead to miscommunication, extra work, and a bad experience for the intended audience.

In this video, I'll help you identify the differences between the instructional designer, client, and subject matter expert.

By the end of it, you should recognize your role in the process and feel more confident going into your next project or SME meeting.

Here are the links to the other videos that I mentioned...

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Using the affiliate links below will help support me and the content on this channel.

***Book Recommendations***

***My Gear Setup***

0:00 Intro
0:40 SME vs Client
2:37 The ID's Role
5:40 Where do you start?
10:32 Staying on track
15:05 Conclusion

[clionaolohan]

Thank you for this video, Devlin. It would be so helpful to see a video of doing a mock SME meeting. I know all meetings are different but a mock meeting going through the steps you've mentioned in this would be super beneficial!

[sneharecites]

Staying on track is so important, pressure/inputs from many stakeholders may lead to distraction. Therefore, an ID has to use every means to remain focused so that the learners receive what they must. Thank you for your video, Devlin 🎉

[janemateria]

Great video Devlin. Wish I’d had this information when I started out. Working with SMEs is hands down the most challenging (& potentially rewarding) aspect of learning design!

[elMusico]

This video came just in time before my next meeting. Thank you for sharing your experience with SME’s. This is definitely an area I want to get strong in.

[alanjyu]

This is great. It's not just about collecting requirements from others but exercising authority over your domain as an ID.

[susanwilcox]

Spot on! Completely reflects my experience. Nice work!

[paigehodges]

I just took on a new project as a consultant and this is so helpful! Thank you.

[srinivascharytummanapalli]

Thank you 👍Devlin for creating this video.

[jeffhall]

Excellent video, Devlin! Any chance you can enable transcription so the transcript can be downloaded?

[yachnasingh]

How to apply for this and in which company please provide information

[kaoutherakid]

Love this! I have a question about SME's in general. When working with a client, whose responsibility is it to find a SME (or two) for the project? Is it up for the instructional designer to look for, select, and hire the SME or that is totally up to the client?

[theostoj]

Could you clarify whether action mapping is practical for higher learning? Great videos Devlin!

[yachnasingh]

Which company can provide work on Hindi literature? Please provide information